Open Laptop-Open Vein

Down Time & I are Not Friends!

2012-07-16T21:05:00.002-05:00

Photo credit: Sodahead.com

Well, it's not a shocker to anyone: down time and I are NOT friends. Nowhere in my DNA did God program idleness. I am a consumer of information, a story teller, a creator, a socializer, a deviser of strategies and a communicator. I'm on day three of a six-week, post-operative recovery and I'm already going bonkers mentally.

Physically I am completely incapable of functioning, of course. The dizziness prevents me from getting up much and the nausea prevents me from reading, looking at a screen or focusing on anything for too long. Conversations are hard to maintain because I can fall asleep at any given moment and the person speaking sounds very loud and overwhelming. I took the suggested slow ten minute walk this morning and THAT was my major accomplishment for the day. There my activity began and ended! Although my insides were faced with a roto-rooter-slash-heat gun-slash Edward Scissorhands experience and I am indeed in significant pain, I was certainly correct in assuming that the whole "rest" thing would be the greatest challenge of this experience.

My nurse told me I was supposed to feel like I got hit by a truck and my doctor encouraged me that I was doing everything that was expected of me, so there are two medical confirmations that I am behaving. It took countless naps today to get to the point where I could write this. Go me. Hopefully I will soon feel well enough to be able to at least stimulate my mind in non-stressful, expressive and artistic ways, while also resting physically. Until then, I'm slamming back the fruits, vegetables, water, ginger and peppermint tea trying to dig myself out of this invalid misery.

Of course, I am showered with love, flowers, cards, encouragement, flat out demands that I rest, and help by way of meals and the like. Clearly, I am not the only one not surprised by my number one recovery challenge. I've always said it takes a team to keep me going, but apparently it takes an even bigger (and more aggressive) team to slow me down! I guess it can be said that this is yet another season where my friends are contributing a few more patches to my quilt of life. No matter how long it takes me to fully recover, I can always look back and realize just how much more they have woven beauty into my present and my future.

Wisdom for female professionals

2012-06-09T17:23:00.001-05:00

In business:

If given a choice to help yourself or someone else, help someone else.

When choosing between being strong or being cowardly, be strong.

If you must choose between investing in those you lead or investing in your own advancement, invest in those you lead.

If faced with a choice to show grace or be selfish, show grace.

If you have power, ignite others with your flame.

An even temperament wins

2012-05-17T07:38:00.001-05:00

You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.

-John Wooden

Everything I've learned about success I've learned as a mother

2012-05-13T13:56:00.004-05:00

On Mother's Day, I am very grateful for these two wonderful children I brought into this world, my beautiful step-daughter, memories of my step-angel in heaven and all of my "other kids" whom I've been lucky enough to be adopted by over the years.

Motherhood is the greatest gift, THE most important calling in my life and what leads every decision I make--even when those decisions are difficult ones to stand behind.

@Epic_Woman tweeted a quote yesterday (and I think I traced the source to Bunker Hunt) that sums up my attitude towards life in general: "To be successful, you must decide exactly what you want to accomplish, then resolve to pay the price to get it."

Having Brittany at 16 was scary. However, in that moment of looking at the two lines on the pregnancy test and discovering I was suddenly a mother, I made the decision that even if it took me until her 364th day as a 17-year-old, she was going to become an adult with all the opportunity she would have had if I had her in a more traditional manner...AND I would personally see to that outcome, no matter who else stood behind me. Even when others should have helped, but didn't, I had decided what I wanted to accomplish and resolved to pay the price to get it.

As I continued to watch my daughter, and six years later my son, continually turn into phenomenal children, the lesson I learned through that first steadfast commitment was that such a resolve is indeed rewarded. And that positive reinforcement of behavior carried through in other areas of my life. So now I can say with confidence that I have learned more lessons about success from my role as a mother than any position held, educational experience, conference, mentor, or any other source.

Yet I cannot credit myself with this inherent attribute--it was modeled for me for many years before I had a child of my own. In fact, the late night I looked my own mother in the eyes and told her at 16-years-old that I was pregnant, she first encouraged me, then went to the store, and came back with a pack of onesies, prenatal vitamins and folic acid. She was always there for me, but pretty much let me figure out most of it on my own. This was probably hard for her to do, but was EXACTLY the decision that created my current reality and my successes of today. Why? Because she, too, decided sixteen years before that she was going to be successful in raising me and resolved to pay the price to get it.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers who have made the ultimate commitment of raising the future of our world. When you look at it like that, I hope it confirms that your priorities are indeed in line and you have not only the right, but the duty to do whatever it takes to protect that role as the priority. Much love and encouragement to each of you on this day!

Guns, spoons and booze

2012-05-10T18:13:00.000-05:00

My friend posted this picture on his Facebook page and I immediately saved it. I'm no NRA activist, but the fella to the right has a solid point. It is the same point I make when people try to make wine an inherently evil thing. PEOPLE make stupid decisions with THINGS. It is kinda a requirement for the thing to have a negative impact.

We do not live in the enchanted Beauty and the Beast mansion where inanimate objects come to life; therefore, objects should be found "not guilty" when facing the court of public discourse.

I have made a career of overseeing strategic communication efforts and planning large scale events, so you can imagine how many event committees I've served on for various non-profits over the years. In doing so, I have been told by obese committee members of yesteryear that we should not serve alcohol at said parties because alcohol leads to alcoholism. In those moments I really could have appreciated a cardboard sign of my own. Only mine would say, "Hors d'oeuvre buffets lead to obesity," and I would suggest that they should also be banned from these parties.

I guess I just prefer "if-then" logic when it can be aligned repeatedly in similar circumstances. I could be wrong. Nonetheless, this photo resonated with me. What is your opinion on the matter?

Success is living like a rabid dog

2012-05-09T20:02:00.002-05:00

I tell my team that to be successful in our work world they have to hunt down who and what they need to complete their tasks like a rabid dog. In our 24-7 environment and the public as the priority (as it should be), our needs will not be at the top of the to-do list. It is what it is, so we have to be persistent to move ourselves up that list.

This is also applicable to life. I know I'm sometimes perceived as aggressive, overly confident, or as my friend told me today (and you know who you are) someone trying to save the world because I just won't give up. Yet in today's society with too much to do and not enough time, technology placing an expectation of constant connectivity and attention spans increasingly waning, it TAKES a relentless resolve to get what is important accomplished.

I choose to pursue success in critical areas like a rabid dog--with unmatched tenacity. And with limited energy, rabid or not, it is always a choice on what to pursue with such intensity.

Do you find to get things done (and done right) you have to go on a relentless hunt? Or are you happy to take a more passive approach?

Let's get with the green program, Lebanon

2012-05-05T15:33:00.001-05:00

I admit, as a native Californian, I'm a bit of a tree-hugging, greenie-weenie. I have lived in Lebanon, Tenn. on and off for about twenty years now. When my family left Orange, Cal. we had enjoyed the convenience of curb-side recycling for years by then.

Now I will admit the beautiful South tends to lag a bit in relation to the West Coast, but really? Twenty plus years? Really?

I reached out to my city council woman to inquire about where we were at as a city in terms of implementation. You can't get there if no conversation has begun. I was told there was no appetite for this and no immediate plans for the City to approach a plan. I was then told she took her recyclables to Kroger, where there are bins for the public. As you can see, this hasn't worked well for me, as I documented the norm today:

Come to find out, the mayor has indeed researched this opportunity and there are eminent government mandates fast approaching. What's more, The Lebanon Democrat ran a story just weeks after I had this email exchange. Hmmm.

So I ask you, especially you people of Lebanon, are we going to bicker about nonsense at City Council meetings while waiting to be forced into responsible actions as a city? Or are we going to get ahead of things and do whatever it takes to build consensus through grass roots efforts, education and awareness campaigns to live as a socially responsible community?

I can see why people don't recycle in our community. It's a hassle. If you remove the road block of inconvenience, perhaps you can engage more people to participate by creating a culture of sustainability by default. Then it simply becomes part of how we live.

I'm not a rocket scientist, but one day I might just become a politician to be the voice of common sense and conscience. In the meantime, I guess I will just be that annoyingly vocal citizen. :)

Somebody That You Need to Know | Gotye

2012-05-02T18:04:00.000-05:00

I have this internal conflict every time I hear a song on Lightening 100 or Pandora and it's my secret little awesome song, and then I know it's going to blow up and everyone else is going to have a piece of my special, secret little song I obsess over. (Yes, that was an intentional run-on sentence that you were supposed to imagine me saying all in one breath, in a whiny tone.) On the other hand, I want that artist to be successful, so I can't really get too upset, right?

Case in point: Adele in general. Did YOU listen to her when she was 19? I did. And now I have to change the channel when she comes on because radio ruined her for me.

OK, back to my song. The cat's been out of the bag on this one for a while now (thanks, American Idol), but today...TODAY I saw the video. OMG. If this doesn't get an award there is something fundamentally wrong with the world. I also realized today through someone else's observation that he is very similar in sound to the great Sting. No wonder I'm all atwitter.

The song is awesome enough, but now I'm at entirely new levels of obsession. The creative concept of the video is so simple, perfectly poignant, and tells the story visually in a beautiful way. The body language, the facial expression, the breathing in response to what the other is singing (e.g. 2:37)...it's genius.

And, for giggles, after you check it out below, you have to see the SNL skit HERE, if you are like me and work more than you watch TV. :)

Lessons From Alice & the Cheshire Cat

2012-04-17T20:21:00.000-05:00

There have been many brilliantly told tales that appealed to whimsical youth and adults alike. Tales that told a story, but also contained important life lessons. One of my favorites is English author, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson's (better known as Lewis Carroll) "Alice in Wonderland." Towards the beginning of the story a very lost and confused Alice approaches the Cheshire Cat and asks,

Photo Credit: shescribes.com

" Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"

"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat

"I don't much care where," said Alice.

"Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said that Cat.

Photo Credit: party-ideas-by-a-pro.com

Do you know where you want to get to or does it really not matter which way you go? I'll leave you pondering the message here set forth by the Cheshire Cat.

PureBloggers.com Hoax?

2012-04-15T13:50:00.001-05:00

I just want to know how I'm getting referral traffic from purebloggers.com. I'm not a member and they don't look legit at all. Has anyone had any experience with them?

I don't think I ever received an email from them inviting me to join, although it's possible considering the volume of email I receive and the mass deletes I sometimes have to do.

Just curious if ANYONE in the blogosphere has interacted with this site and gained any insight. Share with us all!

Mind Your Own Facebook Business

2012-04-13T21:48:00.001-05:00

Photo Credit: msmbc.com

This post has been brewing for a while. I'm constantly in awe of status updates that judge and dismiss other people's status updates.

From those of us who have been on Facebook since you HAD to have a college email address to be allowed to be on it, MIND YOUR OWN FACEBOOK BUSINESS. You are ruining our experience.

The fact that you don't know how to hide the status updates that annoy you tells me you are a social networking rookie and the rest of us should be laughing at you, frankly. Different people have different interests. Am I amused by all of the posts my "friends" post? No. In fact, some of you are kinda silly, obsessive, attention-seeking, misled, obnoxious, desperate and some even just just plain sad, in my humble opinion. But do I complain about you or do I delete the worst of the worst and hide the posts from my news feed, as to remain connected to you without having to survive updates that add no value to my life? (Hint: it's the second and third options.) I'll bet a whole lot of you could care less that I think my kids are pretty freaking awesome and you probably don't need a play-by-play of my weekend.

If you are not a foodie, you will not understand why I post pictures of food. If you are not interested in politics, you will not understand that person who ONLY posts about their political party and how sucky the opposing party is. Not a Tweeter? Hashtags will confuse you. Uninterested in music? Do you even know what Spotify or SoundHound is? You animal people? Yup, you make people want to vomit, but so do I with my lovey-dovey pictorial representations of my amazing marriage. Sorry if you are in a crappy marriage. I am not. I celebrate it. If you don't like it, don't subscribe to my posts. Heck, delete me. I won't be offended. It is what it is.

I've never been called out personally, but I see posts from others speaking in general terms about their "friends'" posts and I just don't get it. If you wouldn't roll up into a dinner party full of people who are having a conversation about like interests and chastise them, try applying that same philosophy to Facebook. Learn how to use the tools the media provides and just mind your own Facebook business.

Mars | Venus

2012-03-23T07:05:00.001-05:00

My husband is back in town. I couldn't be happier. When he leaves again on Sunday, I'll be so sad. However...

My mornings begin with this whole zen experience. My goal in the morning is to keep my blood pressure as low as possible and equip myself mentally to handle a high stress career choice each day. First I drink hot water with lemon juice, then I work out, then I arm myself with vitamins, then I meditate and then I play something like Jack Johnson, Spanish guitar, Boso Nova, Michael Buble, classic piano, Shawn Groves or downtempo. You know, chill. I save the "get jacked up" music for on route to work so I'm ramped up for what's prepared to come at me.

Mr. Wonderful, however, woke up, had a cup of coffee, started the shower, and then cranked up 80's hair bands. That's right: Van Halen, Ozzy, etc...upon waking.

Please pass the Xanax.

Hot Damn! That was cauliflower pizza!

2012-03-17T18:53:00.001-05:00

In my never ending quest to maximize nutrition for my family while also eliminating the evil gluten for me, I decided to attempt this crazy awesome lady's cauliflower pizza crust recipe.

Here are all my alterations:

*I couldn't find the exact frozen cauliflower she mentioned, so I got the plain kind, then eyeballed adding some garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt.

*She is NOT kidding about squeezing out the moisture like that is what your momma made you to do.

*Mr. Wonderful got pepperoni (I would have used turkey pepperoni), onion, tomato, fresh basil, black olive, orange pepper, garlic, a little bit if anchovies , and a side of tomato sauce to avoid making it mushy.

*Mine was a true margarita pizza with anchovies. My favorite.

*Don't forget the Parmesan, pepper grinder, and crushed red pepper at the table.

*I chose a red zin to pair with this dinner.

I might say that I got MEGA wife points on this one and even my teenager loved it. Highly recommended. Check out a pic of Mr. W's.

And for the recipe visit this rad chick's blog: http://stuffimakemyhusband.blogspot.com/2010/11/cauliflower-pizza.html?m=1

Mission: #feelawesome

2012-03-12T07:07:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I'm SLOWLY (and at times PAINFULLY) getting "Amber back." I can't say anyone who has met me in the past two to three years would recognize me as a die-hard fitness/wellness fanatic. My nutrition habits may be considered committed, which could be contributed to the whole Celiac issue; and perhaps my exercise commitment could be considered average (until December when I started getting up at 4:30 a.m. to allow Bobbie to kick my tail at 5:00). THIS is a miracle and nothing short of absolute commitment. In fact, I always tease my husband that "before I met a man who lived in another state" I was as disciplined about my wellness efforts as I was brushing my teeth or showering.

After failing to just "snap back into it," I am now instead slowly adding habits back into my life, just as I instructed my former personal training clients to do. I mean I can't be super corporate mom, wonder wife and Jillian Michaels all at the same time, instantly. So, this morning, I restarted the habit of beginning each day with hot lemon water.

Photo Credit: http://www.wcgh.org

This used to be a no-brainer way to start my day. It made my skin look awesome, instantly hydrated me first thing in the morning, helped digestion, warded off illness and generally helped make me #feelawesome.

If you would like to read more about how this early morning habit, I encourage you to visit one of my favorite websites, LiveStrong.com. This website also has "My Daily Plate," which is an A++ food and exercise journal and conveniently has apps for both iPhone and Android phones. As a power user, I'm even able to track my nutritional breakdown, which helps me keep up with nutrient deficiency issues surrounding my Celiac Disease.

So, there you go. I dare you to take this step to #feelawesome this week. Please report back on your results or share your thoughts if this mini-miracle is already a part of your daily routine!

When you work in a creative environment, this happens...

2012-03-06T16:48:00.000-06:00

My co-STARS and I always laugh that our friends think we just dance around, sing, cut-up and play all day. (Our families and co-STARS outside of our department, however, see just how hard we work!) I think it is the ridiculousness that we participate in that allows us to generate the kind of content we need to be successful, while maintaining our sanity.

So, today I was sick. Like hot then cold, achy, cold chill, headache, post-nasal drip, on a zpak SICK. However, I worked all day. In bed. After bombing my team with emails, sending out global communications and pushing meeting and events forward...all from...my bed...I sent this photo to my team with no other words in the email:

Not to be outdone, my team sent me this back. Again, no words in the email:

I guess JC took the pic since she's not also mourning at my door? Lol. I love my team. It's this craziness that keeps us sprinting our marathon. I only wish all of my friends have such a great work environment with zany, fun and caring co-workers!

Losing Focus Part One

2012-02-04T12:30:00.001-06:00

So today I wanted to take a nap, but we had a list of things to do. No rest for the weary. I went on and on to Mr. Wonderful about how in a perfect world we would be filthy rich because then my day would be my day and I could do whatever I wanted--including indulging in a daily afternoon nap. I started listing all the things I would do or not do. Volunteer, yes. Dishes, no. I'd cook for my family because it brings me joy, but a housekeeper and butler would be needed, of course. As I always do, I went ahead and dreamed big...enlisting the talents of a pianist, who would play on our baby grand, alongside the harp and cello, as we ate dinner. At that point I realized I had lost focus of what I really wanted. No three-person dinner entertainment is needed. I just want a nap. How easily I am distracted...

Resolutions

2011-12-27T15:31:00.001-06:00

In 2012 my first unspoken resolution is to not have any goals this year related to my career, my income or my finances. Understand, this is huge.

Instead, I made a list of all the reasons I tend to work as hard as I do. We'll get back to this list after we discuss the three true goals for 2012.

So, here we go, 2012. Let's do this:

1. Lose 20 pounds. I have allowed everything else, mainly work and/or providing for my family, to supersede what was once a huge part of my life. I mean, 5 years of a career in fitness. I was a fight-ready boxer even after that. I know better. I've made legit stabs at progress since packing on the poundage, but it has never REALLY been a priority to get in shape again, else it would have happened. As I was recently told by a senior executive friend, I'm a "person who gets shit done when it needs to get done." There you go, Amber. Let's get this shit done and put a check in the box. It's not even a 1/2 a pound a week. Seriously.

2. Plan more 1:1 time with my kids. It doesn't have to be extravagant or exotic. It can be a pedicure or a walk. We do a lot as a family, but I think individual time can improve. I'm the calendar queen. Schedule it. The end.

3. Spend more time outdoors. I'd rather be outdoors than indoors. It's a fact. I'm happier in God's creation. Whitewater rafting, canoeing, hiking, biking, walking, running, picnicking, zip lining, surfing, skiing, chilling at "the creek" (some of you will know this location), climbing, you name it--it was a part of my week/vacation plans/social life. Not that I don't still do things like that, I just need to do more of it. You should do the things you love a lot. I can even tie it into #2 and it would benefit #1.

OK, back to the list I made for my anti-resolution. Not that I'm ball'n, throw'n dolla dolla billz, y'all in the air, waving my hands up in the ay-yer...but if I never made more money or got another promotion, seriously it's enough. Do I really want to never earn more/further my career deep down? Of course not, I'm a driver. I'll always shoot for more. But the reality is I don't NEED it. I NEED to prioritize the three goals I've outlined for myself. When I get irritated that my psycho-driven-self is struggling to prioritize 1,2 and 3 in favor of my crazy work ethic I will allow myself the opportunity to reflect on the "why" behind my drive (which is sincere and well-intentioned for "right" reasons), and then center myself back on what I've deemed MOST important for one year of the rest of my life. 52 weeks. 366 days.

What are your 2012 resolutions? I'm interested in what your priorities are for the coming year. Are there themes among my friends? Or are they as unique as the individuals who make them? What are my friends up to this year that I can encourage you through? Or what smart alec comments might I get instead? (Oh, don't look so innocent--I am talking to YOU!)

I love the new year! New things to conquer. New opportunities. New perspectives. Here's to a wonderful 2012!

Perspective

2011-11-04T19:40:00.000-05:00

This Friday evening, after a long week, Derek and I were both saying how TIRED we were. He said that today he had a test in EVERY subject, except Reading; and then he had to watch an hour movie. THEN he played basketball, then he played TAG, and then Bird Catcher. And ALL *I* had to do this week was go to a bunch of meetings. Haha. Yep. That's all. He's got me. Derek wins.

Great movie quote

2011-09-12T21:50:00.001-05:00

"Oooooh...I'm really scared. No, don't...don't! There's a peck here with an acorn pointed at me"! -Willow

Today's Thought

2011-08-08T21:50:00.002-05:00

Pain doesn't tell you when you ought to stop. Pain is the little voice in your head that tries to hold you back because it knows if you continue you will change. Don't let it stop you from being who you can be. Exhaustion tells you when you ought to stop. You only reach your limit when you can go no further.

Answering Zepfanman...a year later...

2011-08-01T20:48:00.002-05:00

Original post: http://zepfanman.com/2010/08/28-questions-a-meme/

Was your dad named after anyone? Don't think so.
What do you think is the minimal age to get married? I have no room to answer this any other way than it's not my business.
What’s the longest time that you’ve been involved with the same person? 5 years...begrudgingly. Looking forward to celebrating 5 years (and forever) with my husband!
What actor/actress do you consider hot at the moment? I am not fascinated by celebrity in the least bit. My husband embracing my full self is hot.
What is you favorite album by a band? Can't choose one. The White Album by the Beatles ranks.
What is your favorite album by an individual artist? Surfacing, Sara McLaughlin
What is something that you’d rather be a bit dirty? I liked most things "lived in."
What was the last TV show that you watched? American Pickers, only because Geoff is watching it. Not my choice.
How many people have you met from the blogosphere? Who are they? Never met someone through the blogosphere, but met a handful of people online, including my fan-frigg'n-tastic friend who challenged me to answer this survey. Even better, he's friends with some of my other friends, now, too. Miss him!
What’s your philosophy on life? Carpe diem.
Do you think prescription drugs are over prescribed? Yes. Doctors should try, “Do 3 sets of 15 situps and see me in a week” instead. (Repeating J.J.'s response.)
Would you keep a secret from me if you thought it was in my best interest? Need more direction on this one.
What is your favorite memory in the last year? Can't pick one, but think Christmas morning as a top favorite.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Red wine.
Tell me one odd/interesting fact about you: As extroverted as I am I also really enjoy very quiet alone time.
You can have three wishes (for yourself, so forget all the ‘world peace etc’ malarky) – what are they? Ability to fly, ability to heal, ability to create income on demand.
Who would you want to get together with and make a cake? Gordon Ramsey
Which country is your spiritual home? Italy
What is your big weakness? Enjoying life too much
Do you think Judd Corizan is a good person? Who is that?
What was your best/favorite subject at school? English, always
Describe your accent: Valley Bell (this is when you spend 14 years in So. Cal and the rest of your life in the South)
If you could change anything about yourself, would you? Get better about prioritizing my own needs.
What do you wear to sleep? Depends--no, not the adult diapers--like it just depends on the day.
What is your favorite casual outfit to wear? Cheer shorts/t-shirt for super casual; sundress for actually going somewhere.
Do you use cigarettes or alcohol? Wine and an occasional gluten-free beer.
If I only had one day to live, what would we do together? (If you have no idea, just say something crazy, it’ll entertain me!) Not sure who you and I are, but this would require WAY more thought than I feel like investing in at the moment.
Rate the memes that you play generally. Use any scale or just in order. Got nothin.

Seasons

2011-08-01T20:01:00.000-05:00

It can be said that I live life to the fullest. It can be said that I have previously like STRETCHED that fullness to the max. Of course, then it can also be said that I'm super strategic and focused. What gives? Seasons.

When (I guess) it didn't matter the consequences so much, if I wanted to experience something, I just did. I have traveled the world, tempted fate, cleared a few dance floors at 3:00 a.m., pampered myself, deprived myself, broke a few hearts, shown my kids things most would never have the chance to experience and fully embraced "carpe diem." If I wrote memoirs no one would believe them. Seriously.

I mean, look, I am married to a man who lived 275 miles away from me when we met at a mutual friend's, when I had quit my stable job to be an event planner to the stars; then traveled to the southern most tip of Africa with him in the name of charity and eventually eloped with him, unbeknownst to anyone (to the very place I now work--thanks, Vince), which I had NO idea at the time would ever be a part of my future employment. That has all since been since I "calmed down."

Yes, I was a party girl turned professional party planner. A "good kid" turned "wild child" turned super mom/professional communications and event maven. I've been a cocktail waitress and have worked at one of the country's top business schools. I've been a Budweiser Girl and now work for the world's largest non-gaming resort and convention center. Student Council stand out to working four jobs as a single mom to planning major events for international celebrities. It's whatever.

So how do I marry my split personalities as some describe me as a gerbil (thanks, Mark) or a hippie and others describe me as a highly organized, strategic, type-A? I guess I just go back to the concept that the good ol' Bible (and the Beatles) reflect upon: there is a season for everything.

Right now my kids need direction, my family needs strategic bets with action plans to achieve success. No one but me will ensure my children have all that they need to become successful adults. That is a primary focus. My employer needs my discipline to support its goals. My colleagues need my partnership and focused effort to be successful. My season involves focus and commitment.

I sowed as many oats as any human needs to. Check. When Derek goes to college I'll only be 42. When he graduates I'll be 46. I have my entire life ahead of me. If I want to return to my free-spirited ways I'll have years of discipline under my belt that will afford me the opportunity to be whatever kind of hippy I desire when that is once again a choice.

I'm so happy with my strange life. I have no regrets. I have a lifetime of mischievous grins that surround those experiences that I just decided I wanted and now recall. I have a stable current reality full of rewarding, amazing "normal." I have a future that is free and clear and full of hope.

I think I've had a pretty 360 approach on life. And I think you CAN have it all...you just have to process it in seasons. ;)

Stealing this from Mr. Milner

2011-07-04T11:46:00.001-05:00

If you meander over to brettmilner.com you will find this brilliant posting today. I had to steal it. :)

The Fountain of Youth

2011-07-03T19:27:00.001-05:00

I have found the answer to never really aging completely. And no, it is not found in a cheesy tourist trap in St. Augustine, Florida.

I have always felt extraordinarily compelled to reach out to young people and help show them the ropes of life and even more importantly, the big, bad professional world. I have been blessed to have a consistent stream of people who have either lit the way for me or who simply provided me with the opportunity to just go for it--accepting that the chance and reward of me getting it right outweighed the risk and cost of me screwing it up. :)

Anyway, there are a few young people who are just rocking my face off lately. One person works for me and I want to do WHATEVER I have to do develop her into the well-rounded, confident, leader and pro she is totally capable of being. Another is an intern we get to borrow on occasion, whom I would instantly hire if I had a position for her...well, and if she was finished with college. I wouldn't even hold it against her that she has the whole orange and white thing going for her. In the mean time, though, I want to invest in her however I can to help her speed up the learning curve to be more competitive. Why? Because she has "it" in her. Then there is another young woman who is currently oversees exploring, learning and experiencing life. I by chance met her JUST before she embarked on this journey and am so excited to share in her experiences by following them online. Is it by chance a writer who loves to travel meets a younger writer who loves to travel? Probably not. I've already decided I'm adopting her. She doesn't know this, yet, but I'm hoping she'll be ok with it. ;)

Anyway, the point of all of this is I originally thought my need to pay forward that which was given to me was just for that very reason. However, I guess I can admit there is a little bit of a fountain of youth element associated with the experience, too. There is a sense of wonderment and discovery that any young person goes through at an astonishing speed throughout college and during one's early twenties. It is fascinating, scary, thrilling and exhausting all at the same. Not that finding one's self is ever fully accomplished...it's just a bit like on steroids during that season. I like to be the person that is there cheering someone on and saying, "It's okay. There are no rules. Try it! What is the worst thing that can happen? (CSD)" Or alternatively, I can be the voice of reason, the person who has been there, done that and got stuck with the ugly t-shirt. This is as much of a gift to me as it is to anyone whom I've "adopted."

Who do you know that you set out to "help" and ended up becoming a huge blessing to you?

Grabbing life by the jugular

2011-07-01T21:05:00.000-05:00

It's a disease I have. And just as soon as I have myself convinced that I should put it on cruise control I get this surge of testosterone that makes me just want to take whatever is in my way and piledrive it, then grab it by the jugular and take it out.

That's right. I can admit it. I'm past aggressive in my fight against this big, bad life. Hand me a pile of shit and I'll turn it into the best fertilizer ever known to man. That's just how I'm wired.

The End.